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Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder

Energy and Environment Initiative

Limited supplies of fossil energy, as well as concerns about energy security and the climate impact of greenhouse gases are driving the development of future energy portfolios. Some possible options are based on fossil fuels, including development of previously untapped sources such as tar sands, and expansion of offshore drilling and natural gas extraction. Others are intended to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions using carbon sequestration at coal-fired power plants, and through expansion of renewable energy sources including wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric, tidal and geothermal energy. All these future energy options, renewable or fossil fuel based, impact the environment. CIRES researchers investigate the full suite of implications for air, water, land and ecosystem resources associated with different energy options.